The December edition of Our News is here!

Hello Neighbours! 

Christmas is just around the corner, and we have a bumper crop of interesting stories this month.  From keeping your home safe over the festive period, to celebrating our wonderful volunteers, to our free webinar on Domestic Abuse. 

We hope you find it all useful and interesting. We're always keen to know what you think. 

Our next newsletter will be shared on Monday 12 January. We hope you enjoy a warm, safe and neighbourly Christmas break - see you next year! 

Congratulations to our volunteer recognition award winners! 

It is so important to us to celebrate the great, often unique, work that our volunteers do. Congratulations to Graham, Reg, Sean, Umar and Jan for going above and beyond, and making a real change in their communities. 

We received over 350 nominations this year, so these winners really are the best of the best. To all the wonderful volunteers who were nominated this year, thank you for the amazing work you do.  Read their stories on our website. 

Neighbourhood Watch backs the United Nations' Orange the World campaign to end violence against women and girls

To support the campaign, which runs from 25 November to 10 December, Neighbourhood Watch has created '16 Days of Actions' featuring simple steps people can take to help reduce violence and digital violence against women and girls. 

The actions are all intended to be accessible, so people can do as many as they are able to. From wearing orange to raise awareness, free training to help people safely intervene when they witness harassment. Find out more and download the actions on our website. 

Keep your home safe this winter

As many of us travel to see friends and family, homes may be left empty for days at a time - something opportunistic thieves know well. But we also want to feel safe and secure when spending time at home, too. That’s where simple, modern security can make all the difference. Here are 10 simple and festive ways to help keep your home protected.

Plus, SimpliSafe’s Cyber Sale is currently live where you can get a security system for better than half price and a free siren. From all of us at SimpliSafe, we hope you have a safe and Merry Christmas. - AD

Sign up for our free webinar about violence against women and girls 

The session is called ‘How to support women in your community - working together to tackle violence against women and girls.’ Our speaker will be Naomi Smith the Chief Executive Officer of the Her Centre, an advocacy organisation providing training and one-to-one support to women. 

The event will be hosted online via Zoom and it’s free to attend. 

It’s on 1-2pm, Friday 5 December. Don't miss it! Register here. 

Protecting your street starts at home

A Will and Lasting Power of Attorney make sure those you trust, stay in charge when life takes an unexpected turn. Without them, others may decide for you. Enquire now to find out more about how to put simple, effective, affordable legal protection in place. – AD 

Safer Streets of Winter of action launched by the Home Office 

Following the Safer Streets Summer Initiative, the Home Office has launched a Winter of Action throughout December and January. It is focusing on reducing town centre criminality, shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as issues in the night-time economy including steps to tackle violence and girls like alcohol-related disorder and spiking.  Find out more. 

The Gift of Peace of Mind

AlarmID is a pocket-sized tamper alarm protects bags and laptops from grab-and-go theft - whether in a cafe, at university or while travelling. A unique and practical Christmas gift for anyone you care about. Get the exclusive NHW discount >> - AD

Neighbourhood Watch Network and Neighbourhood Watch Scotland explore closer collaboration 

Senior leadership from Neighbourhood Watch Network England and Wales and Neighbourhood Watch Scotland (NWS) met in Edinburgh to discuss opportunities for closer collaboration. Although NWS has separate funding, structure and processes, both organisations share similar missions and visions: reducing crime and supporting community building.  Read the full story online. 

Why do we sometimes feel unsafe, even when crime statistics suggest otherwise?

In this era of rapid change, safety and security are key concerns for everyone. Yet, the threats we perceive are often different from the reality. A broken window, a poorly lit park, or a sensationalist headline can trigger deep anxiety, regardless of the actual crime rate.

The European Neighbourhood Watch Association (EUNWA) has published its new White Paper, "Risk Perception and the Psychology of Security: From Theory to Action". It's a fascinating read. 

Have you heard about the switch to digital landlines? 
Landlines are changing, and the UK’s telephone network is going digital by January 2027. If you have loved ones with additional needs such as elderly relatives or someone who uses a telecare device or pendant alarm, BT’s Connected Together initiative encourages you to take a few simple steps to support them through the switch. BT’s Connected Together website is where customers, can access all the guidance and support they need. Start the conversation today. – AD 

Phew - we told you it was a bumper edition this month! We're taking a short break over Christmas, but we know that up and down the land there are Neighbourhood Watches doing amazing work, looking out for vulnerable people and keeping each other safe.  What could be more festive than that? Thank you so much for the wonderful work you do. 

From everyone here at the Central Support Team, have a very Merry Christmas! 

John, Sandra, Cheryl, Kathleen, Charm, Mila, Alys, Fatou, Simeon, Emese, Jennifer, Emma, and Steph.